Memphis vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 38% more expensive than Memphis overall. Memphis (TN) has no state income tax; UT tops out around 4.65%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Memphis to Salt Lake City entails a significantly higher overall cost of living. The most substantial difference stems from housing expenses, which are dramatically more expensive in Salt Lake City. Other categories like food, healthcare, utilities, and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to the increased spending, making Salt Lake City noticeably pricier across the board compared to Memphis.
Housing
Housing costs present the most striking contrast. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are considerably more expensive in Salt Lake City. Memphis offers a much more affordable housing market, typically featuring traditional Southern architectural styles. Salt Lake City's housing stock often reflects a more modern, mountain-influenced design, with prices reflecting a much higher demand in that region.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary notably between the two metros. Utah has a state income tax, unlike Tennessee, which impacts take-home pay. While transportation costs are roughly similar, Memphis offers noticeably cheaper prices for groceries and healthcare services. Utilities are also slightly more affordable in Memphis, meaning routine household spending on essentials will be considerably higher in Salt Lake City.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are apparent. Memphis offers a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, and a flatter, riverine landscape. Salt Lake City experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct four seasons, including snowy winters, set against a mountainous backdrop. Commute times are quite comparable, but Salt Lake City generally feels more spread out with a focus on outdoor activities, while Memphis has a more dense, historic urban core.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: a significant increase in expenses when moving from Memphis to Salt Lake City. Housing will be the primary budget adjustment, but nearly all other spending categories, including the presence of state income tax, will also require a larger portion of income. Memphis offers a much more budget-friendly environment for daily living and homeownership.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 108 |
| Housing index | 54 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 89 |
| Food index | 85 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 95 |
| Misc index | 78 | 95 |
| Median home price | $178,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $900/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.